02.06.16
Aslef banned from striking over DOO by High Court injunction
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) successfully obtained an injunction today banning Aslef members from further strikes over the proposed introduction of driver-operated only (DOO) trains.
GTR sought the injunction on the grounds that Aslef couldn’t lawfully ballot its members because it had previously induced them not to drive trains.
Despite GTR’s efforts to obtain the injunction, 84.4% of Aslef members have voted in favour of strikes.
A GTR spokesperson said the injunction would “come as a great relief” to passengers.
The company added that it urged both Aslef and RMT, which is also leading conductor strikes over the issue, to “come back to the negotiating table” in the dispute.
“We have been seeking proper negotiations on the various disputes for six months, and both Aslef and RMT have refused to engage in any sort of meaningful dialogue,” the GTR spokesperson said. “Rather than continue these disputes, let’s instead sit down and talk about this properly. That is what every passenger would want.”
GTR recently said there had been a “remarkable” rate of conductor absences due to sickness since the strikes began, which have led to ongoing cancellations.
(Image c. Rui Vieira from PA Wire)
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